formality

American  

[fawr-mal-i-tee] / fɔrˈmæl ɪ ti /

noun

• formalities
  plural

1. condition or quality of being formal; accordance with required or traditional rules, procedures, etc.; conventionality.

2. rigorously methodical character.

3. strict adherence to established rules and procedures; rigidity.

4. observance of form or ceremony.

5. marked or excessive ceremoniousness.

6. an established order or method of proceeding.

   the formalities of judicial process.

7. a formal act or observance.

   Synonyms:

   ceremony, ritual, rite

8. something done merely or mainly for form's sake; a requirement of custom or etiquette.

   the formality of a thank-you note.

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formality British  

/ fɔːˈmælɪtɪ /

noun

1. a requirement of rule, custom, etiquette, etc

2. the condition or quality of being formal or conventional

3. strict or excessive observance of form, ceremony, etc

4. an established, proper, or conventional method, act, or procedure

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• formalities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of formality

From the Latin word fōrmālitās, dating back to 1525–35. See formal ¹, -ity

Explanation

A formality is something that follows traditional rules. Even though you knew your request for time off at work would be approved, you still went through the formality of filling out all the required paperwork. Formality also means to align with customs or etiquette. In this way, a formality is often something that's more symbolic than necessary. For example, when a big group sits down to eat dinner together, no one starts eating until everyone is served. That formality of dining etiquette is a sign of good manners and consideration for others. If you're British, a formality of your culture is to curtsy or bow when you meet the Queen.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

formality formalities

Newcastle and Arsenal have been discussing the finer terms of the deal this week with a final agreement now considered a formality.

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026

After giving birth, Shakhnoza Nazarova thought registering her daughter's name would be a mere formality.

From Barron's ● Jul. 3, 2026

“There is now an effective consensus … that there is a discernible human influence on the climate,” Browne, a small, professorly man with an air of British formality, told the audience.

From Salon ● Jun. 26, 2026

Havens and Elayyne started planning the wedding, waiting for what they thought would just be a formality: the signature of the governor of Washington state.

From Slate ● May 2, 2026

But apart from my placement in the room, little of that formality remains between us.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

“There are some formalities to it,” said Saltarelli.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 26, 2026

And a full agreement is now almost done, with Guimaraes waiting for permission to leave Newcastle's training base in La Manga, in Spain, to finalise the formalities of his move to Emirates Stadium.

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026

Japan's formalities -- from the complexity of polite language to extreme attention to detail in packaging or wrapping -- may surprise visitors, he said.

From Barron's ● Mar. 24, 2026

The morgue at Galle could handle about 25 bodies at a time and the authorities were rushing freezer shipping containers to preserve the remains until legal formalities were completed.

From Barron's ● Mar. 5, 2026

This was in truth the slimmest of formalities, as our families had been acquainted for years.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

Related Words

• procedure
• red tape
• rite
• ritual